Mārkaṇḍeya said: At that instant, there came Lakṣmī the consort of Viṣṇu, slowly and smilingly. She was bedecked in ornaments of diverse kinds. She was accompanied by experts in the science of instrumental music and by those who were conversant with the function of the lute. They were charming in the use of sweet words. They sang in praise of Lakṣmī. She was surrounded by thousands and crores of ladies. On seeing her arrive, the chieftains of the attendants, who were as huge as mountains and who wielded iron clubs like Bhuśuṇḍī[9] and Parigha[10] threateningly admonished Brahmā and other Devas as well as sages making them recede to give way to her. They were delighted in their tasks.